2015 Toyota Highlander Safety Report
2015 Toyota Highlander: Strong crash ratings, but recalls and complaints highlight electrical and steering concerns.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Toyota Highlander
Reliability Score
The 2015 Toyota Highlander receives a reliability score of 70 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2015 Toyota Highlander
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Toyota Highlander:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Malfunctions Numerous complaints (22 total) regarding various electrical issues, including exterior lights burning out frequently, battery light warnings, and issues with seat heaters. A recall exists for aftermarket windshields affecting the electrical system, potentially causing engine stalling. |
Medium | Common | variable miles |
| Steering System Failure/Difficulty 19 complaints related to steering, including sudden loss of power steering, difficulty steering, and the steering wheel independently moving. A recall addresses a component of the electric power assist system that could lead to an unexpected loss of power steering. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Panoramic Sunroof Shattering Multiple reports of the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving, posing a risk of glass falling into the cabin. |
Medium | Rare | variable miles |
| Unintended Acceleration/Speed Control Issues Several complaints (6 total) describe instances of unintended acceleration, where the vehicle accelerates without driver input, making it difficult to stop and leading to crashes in some reported cases. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
| Paint Peeling/Defects Reports of paint, particularly 'blizzard pearl,' peeling off the vehicle, which Toyota has acknowledged as a defect but with limited warranty coverage. |
Low | Occasional | variable miles |
| Tailgate/Trunk Malfunction Complaints about the power tailgate not opening or closing properly, or malfunctioning with beeping sounds. |
Low | Occasional | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Toyota Highlander:
The largest category of complaints (31) falls under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER', indicating a variety of miscellaneous issues not fitting into specific component categories.
22 complaints related to various electrical system failures, including lighting issues, battery warnings, and seat heater malfunctions, aligning with a recall.
19 complaints concerning steering difficulties, loss of power steering, and erratic steering behavior, directly addressed by a recall.
15 complaints related to the vehicle's structure, including issues like sunroof shattering and water leaks from the sunroof.
11 complaints, including issues with oversized side mirrors obstructing visibility during turns and wiper system problems.
7 complaints specifically about exterior lights, such as frequent bulb burnout.
6 complaints detailing unintended acceleration or issues with maintaining consistent speed.
6 complaints related to the power train, including hard shifting and engine failure warnings.
6 complaints regarding service brakes, including instances where the vehicle would not stop during unintended acceleration.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Toyota Highlander
Is the 2015 Toyota Highlander safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 Toyota Highlander received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, performing well in crash tests. However, it has 184 consumer complaints, 16 resulting in injuries, and two recalls addressing critical electrical and steering system issues that could increase crash risk. While crash protection is strong, potential component failures are a concern.
What are common problems with the 2015 Toyota Highlander?
The most reported issues for the 2015 Toyota Highlander include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (31 complaints), followed by ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (22 complaints), STEERING (19 complaints), and STRUCTURE (15 complaints). Specific problems include frequent light bulb burnout, loss of power steering, spontaneous sunroof shattering, and unintended acceleration.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 Toyota Highlander?
Yes, there are two recalls for the 2015 Toyota Highlander. One recall (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) concerns aftermarket windshields that could damage the ECM, potentially causing engine stalling. The second recall (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) addresses a component that could lead to an unexpected loss of power steering.
How does the 2015 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?
The 2015 Toyota Highlander received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 5 stars for side impact, and 4 stars for both frontal crash and rollover resistance tests, indicating strong performance in protecting occupants during collisions.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2015 Toyota Highlander?
When considering a used 2015 Toyota Highlander, pay close attention to the electrical system, steering feel, and check for any signs of sunroof damage or previous repairs. Ensure all recall remedies have been completed by checking the VIN with Toyota or NHTSA.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should verify that all recalls, especially those for the electrical and steering systems, have been addressed and be aware of reported issues like sunroof shattering and unintended acceleration.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Toyota Highlander
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Toyota Highlander. The data includes 184 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 16 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Toyota Highlander an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.